Things to do today

HAMLET FOR FREE: Under 25s can get involved in all manner of theatrical activities at Almeida Theatre's Hamlet For Free Festival. Events include acting masterclasses, writing workshops, sword fighting, and behind the scenes tours. Almeida Theatre, free, book ahead, 10-13 April

EXPLOSIVE FOOD: See food in a new light. An exploding light. Perfect for kids and adults. Royal Institution, £14/£10/£7, book ahead, 2.30pm-3.45pm and 6pm-7.15pm

SIGN LANGUAGE TOUR: A British Sign Language tour of the London, Sugar & Slavery display tells how London was involved in the transatlantic slave trade, for deaf and hard of hearing visitors. Museum of London Docklands, free, book ahead, 6pm

PUNDEMONIUM: Love a double-entendre? This event's for you. A game show based on linguistic puns and tomfoolery, led by guest pundits including comedians and poets. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm

FILM SCREENING: Love or your career? It's a question that's troubled many for years and it's the central theme in American Friends. See it with an introduction from director Tristam Powell and a Q&A at the end. Snacks and a drink are included in the ticket price. Dulwich Picture Gallery, £9/£7, book ahead, 7.30pm

COMEDY AWARDS: Find out who will be crowned the winner of this year's Wegottickets Musical Comedy Awards. The night's a riotous showcase of the UK's best up and coming talent. Lyric Theatre, £15, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.15pm

FREE FILM: The final screening of Camberwell Free Film Festival is Victoria, a German drama shot in a single continuous take. Sun of Camberwell, free, just turn up, 8pm

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Learn about writing a historical novel at Lambeth Palace

S.J. Parris, author of the novel Prophecy, will be in conversation with historian Tracy Borman for a night of literature and learning at Lambeth Palace. Prophecy — an Elizabethan spy thriller — is the chosen book for this year's Cityread, a month-long book celebration in London. Parris's novel stars real life spy Giordano Bruno and focuses on the plot to replace Elizabeth with Mary Queen of Scots.

Hear from the author, and learn about the plots that rocked Elizabethan England as well as what it's like to take real historical events and turn them into novels. The execution warrant of Mary Queen of Scots will be on display, along with Elizabethan manuscripts from Lambeth Palace Library's collections. Whether you're a history buff or a literature lover, this event is set to be a thoroughly inspiring evening.

S.J. Parris and Tracy Borman in conversation takes place on Wednesday 19 April at 6.30pm at Lambeth Palace. For further information and tickets, visit www.cityread.london/events

Art review: photography takes centre stage

The Zabludowicz Collection has put together a group show of their big photography stars. Wolfgang Tillmans, who currently has a big show at Tate Modern, gets a wall full of photos. A highlight is Andreas Gursky's chaotic collage of a ridiculously busy trading floor. Not all the photographers appeal to us, but there are some great works in this show. You are looking at something that never occurred at Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3PT,until 9 July, free ★★★☆☆ (Thursday-Sunday) Tabish Khan

Theatre review: Manhattan transfer

In The Life, drug-dealing guys and rent-by-the-hour dolls populate a side of 42nd Street far shadier than the tap dancing one at Drury Lane. The daily grit and the nightly grind are underpinned with a spectacularly revitalised score from Cy Coleman, fusing jazz and blues with his musical theatre roots and some spunky new script from still-got-it-baby director Michael Blakemore, 88. All the cast have dynamic vocals but sporting a Joan Armatrading wig as an ageing hooker who works out she's had 50% more men than the Grand Old Duke of York, Britain's best blues diva Sharon D Clarke is unmissable. The Life, Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD, £20-£25, until 29 April ★★★★☆ [Monday-Saturday] Johnny Fox

Good cause for the day

MUSIC AND COMEDY: A who's who of music and comedy stars collide in Symfunny 2 at The Royal Albert Hall. It's an eclectic mix, from Agnes Brown to Pete Townshend, but all are certain to put on a fabulous show. Proceeds go to Parkinson's UK, which fights the debilitating disease both medically and socially. Royal Albert Hall, £38-£22, book ahead, 19 April,7.30pm

Funzing

Sex & Relationship mentor Colin Richards will will explain how our early life influences effect our attractions to others and our subsequent sexual behaviours. Colin will also then show you how by adopting a new way of listening and communicating, you can go a long way to overcoming repeated behaviour patterns to achieve the relationship and sexual connection you really want. Get tickets

The London Undergound is over 150 years old, and it's seen a thing or two in its time. Are you brave enough to face the ghosts of the Underground? Travel through the home of the Bank's Black Nun, learn about the elderly angel who saved a tube worker from death, and come to face to face with Farringdon's screaming spectre. Bring your oyster card and discover the hidden secrets of the Underground.
You'll need to have an Oyster card or travelcard for this event.
More information and tickets here: http://bit.ly/2fUVIsV (sponsor) Get tickets

Explore the mystical world and reconnect with your inner goddess (or god) through practices like astrology, herbalism and tarot at Anoushka's magikal Moonlight Goddess gathering. The practices will also teach you how to apply what you learn to the physical realm of your everyday life.
Get tickets